Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying an MRI Wheelchair

Introduction – Why MRI Wheelchairs Require Special Consideration

MRI wheelchairs aren’t like standard transport chairs. They’re designed from non-magnetic, non-ferrous materials so they remain safe inside the powerful magnetic field of an MRI scanner. That means aluminum, titanium, and specialized composites instead of steel; brass or plastic hardware instead of iron; and components tested to ensure they won’t be pulled or distorted by the magnet.

Choosing the wrong chair can lead to costly damage, safety incidents, scan delays, and compliance issues. A single magnet-related event can shut down a suite, ruin a scan schedule, or harm a patient or staff member. To avoid those risks, you need an MRI-compatible wheelchair that’s certified, comfortable, and practical for daily use. MRI Med, a trusted provider of MRI accessories, helps imaging centers and hospitals compare models, verify standards, and select the right wheelchair for their environment

In this guide, we’ll cover the top five mistakes buyers make and how to avoid them—so you can protect patients, staff, and your MRI investment.

 

Mistake #1 – Choosing a Standard Wheelchair Instead of an MRI-Compatible Model

A standard wheelchair may look similar to an MRI chair, but materials make all the difference. Most conventional wheelchairs use ferromagnetic steel in the frame, fasteners, wheel hubs, or brakes. In the presence of a strong magnetic field (1.5T, 3T, and higher), these parts can become projectiles or distort rapidly, creating a serious hazard.

Risks of non-MRI-safe materials:

• Projectile risk: Ferromagnetic parts can be pulled into the bore, endangering anyone nearby.
  
• Image distortion: Magnetic susceptibility can cause artifacts that degrade image quality, leading to repeat scans and wasted time.
  
• Equipment damage: Impact from pulled objects can damage coils or the magnet room.
  
• Workflow disruption: If the chair can’t enter Zone IV, staff must transfer patients repeatedly, increasing fall risk and throughput delays.

Why non-ferrous construction matters:

• Frames built from aluminum, titanium, or reinforced composites eliminate ferromagnetic risk.
  
• Brass, aluminum, or plastic fasteners, axles, and brake components prevent attraction to the magnet.
  
• Clearly labeled “MR Safe” or “MR Conditional” devices allow predictable, compliant use within the specified field strength and conditions.
  

Bottom line: If a wheelchair isn’t specifically rated for MRI use, it doesn’t belong in or near the scanner room.

 

Mistake #2 – Ignoring Weight Capacity and Patient Comfort

MRI departments serve a broad patient population. Ignoring weight capacity can compromise safety and increase liability.

Why weight limits matter in MRI environments:

• Safe transfers: A chair rated below a patient’s weight can fail during transfer or transport.
  
• Compliance with MR Conditional labeling: Some MR Conditional chairs list maximum safe loads as part of their conditions of use—exceeding them voids the rating.
  
• Consistent throughput: Overspecifying capacity (e.g., choosing 400–500 lb ratings when needed) avoids last-minute scrambling and rescheduling.
  

The importance of comfort during transport and staging:

• Padding and pressure relief: Patients often wait before and after scans. Supportive, wipeable cushions reduce pressure points, especially for longer studies or when sedation recovery is needed.
  
• Adjustable components: Swing-away leg rests, flip-back arms, and adjustable footplates improve positioning, patient dignity, and transfer ease.
  
• Stability and posture: Wider seat options, anti-tippers, and ergonomic backs keep patients secure while moving through tight corridors and ramps.
  

Select an MRI wheelchair with a published, clearly visible weight rating that meets your heaviest use case, plus comfort features that match the length and type of visits your patients experience.

 

Mistake #3 – Overlooking Wheelchair Maneuverability in MRI Suites

MRI rooms and control areas have tight pathways, doorways with RF shielding, and strict zone controls. A chair that’s hard to maneuver adds risk and slows the schedule.

Space constraints in MRI rooms:

• Tight turns around the control room desk, patient prep area, and magnet room door require compact frames and smart geometry.
  
• Short wheelbases and narrow overall widths (while maintaining seat width) help staff navigate without bumping walls, coils, or consoles.
  

The need for smooth, quiet movement:

• Low-noise wheels and precision bearings reduce distractions during patient staging and help maintain a calm environment.
  
• Responsive brakes and push handles improve control on ramps and during transfers.
  
• Non-marking, RF-compatible casters protect flooring and ensure clean movement near sensitive equipment.
  

Look for chairs with smooth-rolling, sealed bearings, reliable parking brakes, and caster designs optimized for tight spaces. Conduct a quick “route test” in your suite dimensions before buying: simulate turns, doorway clearances, and parking near your table or patient prep area.

 

Mistake #4 – Forgetting About Maintenance and Cleaning Requirements

MRI departments clean equipment frequently to meet infection prevention standards. The wrong materials degrade under daily disinfectant use, leading to cracks, peeling, and failure.

Built to withstand frequent cleaning:

• Seamless, medical-grade upholstery resists fluids and allows quick wipe-downs.
  
• Corrosion-resistant metals (aluminum, stainless for non-MR zones, or approved composites) handle repeated exposure to hospital-grade cleaners.
  
• Enclosed bearings and sealed hardware minimize moisture intrusion and rust.
  

Avoid materials that degrade quickly:

• Porous foams, stitched seams, and low-grade vinyl can absorb fluids and split at stress points.
  
• Paint finishes on ferrous parts will chip and rust; choose baked-on coatings for approved alloys or molded components.
  
• Unsealed wood or particle materials swell and harbor microbes.

Ask vendors for validated cleaning compatibility lists (e.g., quats, bleach, accelerated hydrogen peroxide) and maintenance guides. A chair that holds up to your actual cleaning protocol will save money and downtime over its lifespan.

 

Mistake #5 – Not Verifying the Wheelchair Meets All MRI Safety Standards

“MRI-friendly” is not a certification. You need clear, documented compliance.

FDA and ASTM MRI safety compliance:

• FDA device classification and labeling should identify MR Safe or MR Conditional status.
  
• ASTM standards (such as ASTM F2052 for magnetically induced displacement force, F2213 for torque, and F2119 for image artifact) guide testing. Reliable suppliers provide test summaries or labeling that aligns with these standards.
  

Risks of assuming without certifications:

• Liability exposure: If an incident occurs, undocumented “MRI-friendly” claims won’t protect your facility.
  
• Operational limits: MR Conditional chairs specify field strength (e.g., 1.5T and 3T), spatial gradient, and positioning. Without this data, you can’t write safe-use protocols.
  
• Insurance and accreditation: Auditors may require proof of device ratings and maintenance logs.
  

Always request and retain documentation: official MR labeling, test references, user manuals with MR conditions, and cleaning/maintenance instructions.

How MRI Med Can Help You Choose the Right MRI Wheelchair

MRI Med specializes in MRI-compatible accessories and understands the technical and practical realities of operating an MRI suite. Their team helps you:

• Match chairs to your magnet strength and suite layout, including MR Conditional limits.
  
• Compare models by weight capacity, maneuverability, and comfort features.
  
• Verify certifications and obtain the documentation you need for compliance.
  
• Plan for cleaning, spare parts, and maintenance to extend product life.

Explore MRI Med’s curated selection of MRI-safe wheelchairs and accessories, as well as their buyer’s guides that break down materials, ratings, and must-have features for different facility sizes. Visit MRI Med’s product pages or reach out to their experts for tailored recommendations and quotes.

 

Conclusion – Making the Smart MRI Wheelchair Investment

To recap, the top five mistakes to avoid are:

1. Buying a standard wheelchair instead of an MRI-compatible model.
   
2. Ignoring weight capacity and patient comfort.
   
3. Overlooking maneuverability in tight MRI suites.
   
4. Forgetting cleaning and maintenance demands.
   
5. Failing to verify MRI safety standards and documentation.
   

When you prioritize safety, comfort, maneuverability, durability, and certification, you protect patients and staff while keeping your schedule on track. MRI Med can guide you to the right MRI wheelchair and provide the documentation and support your team needs. Explore MRI Med’s full range of MRI-compatible products to equip your suite with confidence.